This is an updated version of a blog post that originally ran in April 2017.They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb – we are still in the lion days, but at least it is almost spring. This change of seasons means it’s almost time for warm weather and open windows letting in fresh air. It also means it is time to brush up on some window safety tips, since open windows can be dangerous for young children who are...

February has proven to be a particularly busy month for the industry, thanks to two major conferences taking place in locations (thankfully) warmer than Chicago. During the first week of the month, I attended the IGMA Winter Conference in Austin, TX and now, AAMA staff is wrapping up details for next week’s AAMA 82nd Annual Conference in Palm Springs, CA. Together, the two events provide an excellent backdrop for the ongoing discussions underway, of unifying IGMA and AAMA into one organization. Here are some takeaways...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas? No. Valentine’s Day! My favorite holiday. When I was little, my mama made my brother and me feel extra loved. She gave small gifts to her loved ones, including my dad and her six siblings, to let us know how special we were to her. I still have the “Love” cupid pin from Avon that she gave me in kindergarten. It wasn’t about romantic love, but about showering special people in her life with affection. In...

Josh Wignall is the Director of Marketing at EFCO, responsible for all product and brand strategy in the company. For today’s member profile, we talked with him about being part of a younger generation of the industry and the importance of both mentorship and strong messaging.Could you describe your role at your company?My team is made up of our product marketing group, which is in charge of all product management functions and product strategy. When most people think of marketing, they don’t necessarily think of...

A new report about digital marketing trends that will rule in 2019 was released by Venngage recently, and the biggest takeaways seem to be that content with images is key, and that customer-generated content promoting your brand is a big asset. I can see these two trends sticking around for the foreseeable future, so here are some ways to make them work in your company’s favor.Content marketing is still the dominant digital marketing technique: The report interprets this by suggesting companies stop focusing on paid...

John Moore, Vice President – Marketing for GED Integrated Solutions, provides the vision and leadership to ensure that the marketing strategies and programs align with the corporate objectives while providing a positive ROI for the company. Additionally, he provides strategy direction and guidance on several corporate programs. Today, AAMA spoke with him about his work in the industry as a whole.What products does your company manufacture?GED manufacturers automation equipment and software for manufacturing high-quality, residential vinyl windows. We provide insulating glass unit (IGU) and glass...

In any industry, problems can creep up unnoticed. In fenestration, I know our members talk often about things like the skilled labor shortage, the economy and other crucial factors – and how the risks related to them can be mitigated. If you too are entering 2019 looking for ways to avoid problems before they arise, a speaker at next month’s AAMA conference may be able to help. AAMA is proud to welcome keynote speaker and author Kevin McCarthy, who will present “Welcome to the BlindSpot...

Next month, AAMA will take the time to thank some of its hardest workers during one of my favorite events every year: the AAMA Annual Awards Banquet. This year’s banquet, which will take place during the 82nd Annual Conference, has a classic Hollywood theme, which I’m sure will make it feel at least a little bit like the Oscars. But what I really love about it, and every year’s celebration, is that it gives the association a chance to spotlight the accomplishments of some of...

A previous version of this post ran on the Socially Speaking blog in December 2016.Now that 2018 has passed, it’s time to begin planning for the new year. While companies probably have 2019 budget plans worked out, it’s not a bad idea to give an organization’s social media presence a little extra attention, too. Here are some ideas for content you can create and share, as well as some tips for how to make sure your social media plans get off on the right foot...

2018 has come and gone for AAMA staff, and it’s always interesting to reflect on the year that was. Per a suggestion from practical joker Rich Rinka, Technical Manager, Standards and Industry Affairs, I decided to poll AAMA staff to get the scoop on some of the strangest questions they have gotten from our customer service calls this year. Personally, I will occasionally get a tweet from someone contacting the AAMA Twitter account, mistaking us for the American Association of Medical Assistants. However, my coworkers...